An MP has been celebrating after the Department for Communities and Local Government pledged to take up his fight on homelessness.

Bob Blackman, MP for Harrow East, introduced his Homelessness Reduction Act in a bid to tackle the homelessness crisis affecting the UK.

It has now been announced that it will receive extra funding to prepare for its implementation, while a new consultation on updating the Homelessness Code of Guidance is set to open.

Mr Blackman said: “My Homelessness Reduction Act was the longest and most expensive Private Member’s Bill to successfully become legislation, and it is a testament to the commitment of this Government to help the homeless that it was supported then and is now receiving extra funding to ensure a smooth transition.

“When working on the bill in its early phases, it was clear that the statuary Homelessness Code of Guidance for Local Authorities was going to require revision, as it is both outdated and too complex, so I very much welcome the consultation that has opened and the work being done by Marcus Jones, the Minister for Local Government, and his team to streamline the document.”